I am a beginning player interested in playing mostly jazz and Old school R&b. Would active or passive pups serve my needs best? Thanks.
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Passive or Active Pick Ups
- Thread starter bassman2020
- Start date
If they're not EMGs they are not truly active (passive PUs with active pre), while EMGs are active themselves.
On topic : Passive all the way, i'd get a P bass and put a dark star in it
On topic : Passive all the way, i'd get a P bass and put a dark star in it
- Aug 21, 2008
- 10,386
- 252
- 68
- Disclosures
- Owner, SGD Music Products
Duncan also makes active bass pickups. Bartolini does as well, though they are less common.
- Aug 21, 2008
- 10,386
- 252
- 68
- Disclosures
- Owner, SGD Music Products
I was wondering the same thing.
Facts is facts. I forgot about MEC. There are probably others as well.
Another passive vs. Active thread....I really recommend that the OP does a search regarding this topic as there are 100's if not 1000's of threads on this exact topic. I wasn't trying to be counter productive..it is just that threads on this topic have been beaten to death. Best wishes 
Depends. Are you wanting a more old school vintage tone aka 1970's? Or are you looking for something more modern and cutting edge sounding? If the latter then active pups or passive pups with active preamp (The vast majority of "active basses" are passive pups with active eq preamp added. The preamp haveing bass, treble, and sometimes midrange and or mid sweep controls). Theres a lot of very good active basses out there for very little loot. Ibanez, ESP Ltd, and a few of the Schecters as 3 good companies making very nice active basses gettable for $450 and under.
I think an active bass is excellent choice for any begginer wanting a more modern sound as well as the onbaord advantages of extra tone shaping and conversion to LoZ signal.
If however you want a more vintage tone like from the 70's, then passive would be better choice.
I think an active bass is excellent choice for any begginer wanting a more modern sound as well as the onbaord advantages of extra tone shaping and conversion to LoZ signal.
If however you want a more vintage tone like from the 70's, then passive would be better choice.
Passive pickups simply because it's less hassle if you want to swap preamps. I will however say that active pups sound great I just don't think I'd get them as aftermarket upgrades. However, if they came with the bass then fine.
